So Otto and the little’un visit the windy city and find a few of there brewpubs and bar and here for you delight and delectation is what we found.

But first you need to get a weekly CTA transport ticket each $28 (£2.50 a day for all bus, tram, & metro) sorted. It makes life a lot less complicated. Note I have done a bit of a potted history of the city at the bottom after the “G” Map.

Chicago now has 21 Brewpubs/Brewries (Dec. 2015). So just to get in the swing of things lets check out a couple of beer bars first;

Located near the old Dearborne Station. It is a stereotypical Chicago bar, which is to say it is narrow and deep, with high (tin) ceilings, and lots of old, well-worn woodwork. There was a good selection of classic rock playing...loud enough to enjoy but quiet enough to hold conversations with others. There were also 8 flat screen televisions showing sports but they didn't dominate the place.

The beer selection was pretty impressive. I counted 18 taps which included the ever present Guinness and Smithwick's, but the rest were all "craft" or super quality beer. So I opted for a New Holland Breweries, Dragons Milk Stout and Margaret had Two Brothers, Cane & Ebel.

Just a short walk away at the end of the block, on the way we pass a wine shop called Printers Row Wine shop, (more of later). But food called us so we carry on to enter another packed bar, with a small queue of 3-4 groups for tables, the maitre-d asked us if we wanted to sit on a tall table in the bar area for 2, that was vacant, (dogh) obviously that was a yes, result! So we skipped the line and had beers and food ASAP. Hackney's is the quintessential neighborhood bar, and from the looks of it, Hackney's has been around for longer than the craft beer scene, since 1939. It is divided into two rooms, one the "bar" area and the other seating. It's has a lived-in, cozy feel to it. Nice friendly, welcoming staff and great food. I think there were about 20 taps. Everything is listed on the handwritten chalkboard. There was a nice blend of European beers (mainly German), craft from Left Hand, Stone Levitation, and lots of locals The closest they had to macro were Stella and Guinness. Also a small but awesome bottle list, I thought prices were very reasonable.

Printers Row Wine Shop, 719 S Dearbron St

It is in-between the above two pubs, not to be disappointed over 100+ different beer from a solid selection of locals. Lots of bombers. Friendly service. Pretty good selection of 6-packs as well. Brewdog & Sam Smiths to Mikeller and some rear Belgian beers plus sort after and hard to find US Craft beers, what a place this is.

Not really a beer venue, but hey the HoB is awesome you will not be disappointed, as we have both always wanted to visit this place. We share a "philly cheese roll and fries" between us and it is still to much! We also had a couple of beers one from Goose Island one from Bells all while listening to 1920's blues, it was most excellent dudes. One the way out we stop to take photos and get taken up into the main theatre all I can say is WOW! It is small and has 3 tiers all in gold and red so cool, modeled after the spectacular "Estavovski" Opera House in Prague, the stage was being set up for a gig later that night. In keeping with tradition, the House of Blues Chicago displays the "Crazy Quilt" and keeps a metal box of mud from the Delta Mississippi underneath its stage.

This a completely different experience form the Portland OR "RB" and is a whole lot better (we missed Seattle as did not think was worth it!). As you enter you are in a large dining area, but carry on walking and you enter the bar area that is "L" shaped and has seating in from and to the rear that is boothed and table and chairs. So we sit at the bar and rap with the bar man who is at university here and comes from Portland so we chat about beer etc... then get a taster tray with a few special ones added for free, excellent. We also chat to a girl at the bar who works in Hard Rock Cafe, while she is at Uni. We then meet Jim the assistant brew dude and chat for a while until he has to get back to work, later we meet Chris the main brewer the brewery is behind the bar and the main reception area set behind glass, the beers are a whole lot better than the Portland RB (that I thought was very corporate) here they have more of a free range and even barrel age there beers we sampled the latest an 11% stout from Bourbon barrels mmmm (not for the faint hearted).

Pretty chilled out little spot with a cool vibe. Verry classy and well decorated, blending the brewery with the restaurant, sobre, bright tanks on the bar wall, upscale pub fare with good portion. Beer brewed while we were enjoying a pint which is a good sign. The beers were solid for brewpub beers, nothing too complex or mind blowing with minimal flaws. Staff are chilled and attentive. They currently have 5 of their own brews, a couple of collaborations, a few guest taps, and growlers or half growlers to go. Pretty cheap for the area. Well worth a visit.

We had walked passed this on our way to the House of Blues and Rock Bottom, and were intrigued by the large tap handle with a Smiley face as the pub sign, The place is huge with a “cheers” like bar in one room and a large bar all along the back wall in the other main dining room, they even have a few tables with fonts at the tables (seems an easy way to print money?) Any way they had 25 on draught from US micros, Belgian Classic’s to the standard macros and a bottle list of over 75+ with some quite interesting beers on offer.

So before we get into the real deal with the beers why not grab something to eat we had been told ‘you need to go to Lou Mitchell's for breakfast it rocks?’

Located at the beginning of Route 66, Lou Mitchell’s has been host to many. Everyone from U.S. Presidents, Mayors, Governors, Senators, Representatives, athletes, coaches, authors, judges, lawyers, clergy, and stars of the stage and screen. It’s a time-honored whistle stop on the campaign trails of many elected officials. Additionally, the restaurant’s patrons have served many members of the media as a solid source on how Chicagoans really think and feel about a variety of issues. Uncle Lou’s father started the family business in 1923, and then entered his son, Lou Mitchell.

The fun part of Lou Mitchell’s magic formula was added one day in 1958. Since that day, millions of donut holes to all and boxes of milk duds to the ladies and children have been given out. The news spread and patrons flocked from all around the world: England, France, Germany, Italy... Today Lou Mitchell’s is not only a Chicago institution, but also recognized nationally and internationally with endless accolades. Among the list are USA Today, American Way, newspapers, magazines, food critics, television. “It’s a must see place.” So the dead was done and we were well and truly stuffed you are met with donut holes and coffee, then you get a bowl with fresh prunes and a quarter orange, mmmm.

The place was constantly packed and people coming and going but you are not rushed in any way, plus you get a mini pack of Milk Duds and ice cream to finish off with, total decadence. We both well and truly recommend this place if you come to Chicago.

Hidden deep withing the massive former steel distribution center, deep within what is now Chicago’s largest movie studio is Chicago’s largest brewery. This place is in the actual brewery, like right in the center of it. Despite the setting, the tap room is homey bar type place, with room for live music, some TV screens, and free peanuts and pretzels.You are just not going to find some huge selection of unusual Lagunitas beers here. What makes it worth going to is the fun, bar in the middle of a huge production brewery atmosphere. You can do tours, the enire tour is conducted along one of the many catwalks overlooking the plant. Prices are reasonable, $5 for a sixteen ounce draft even for stuff like Hop Stoopid! Snack type food is available.

This is a typical "sports" bar, lots of TV’s and bar stool seating. Brick lined walls and cheerful decor. The rec room housed a micro brewery and has 5 of the house brews on tap, 4 in bottles plus several other taps from local and national breweries. Whilst we were there, the Chicago Bulls basketball team were the main TV attraction and the place was lively and noisy. The Bulls eventually came back from 10 points behind to win by 5 points and the place was in uproar.

They offer occasional tours, and you definitely need to go check them out. Brewing quality German-style beers, this husband and wife team (and Star Trek geeks) have got themselves a real gem of an operation here. Unfortunately they can’t do off-premise sales, but they’ll give you a few samples, and you can buy a glass or t-shirt to help them out. Well worth the effort.

Nominated by Beer Advocate as one of the top 20 bars to visit in the US.Top place, great beer choice, comfortable surrounding and excellent atmosphere. Only thing is you need to beware of the "british trait" of short measures and the bar staff aren't too chuffed about you asking for a top up either, so we had a couple of pints each and ever time we were short measured and they just paid "lip service" to a top up; so we just paid lip service to the "tip" ! A great choice of beers spoiled by poor service.

A corner bar, great beer selection and good company. They have an eclectic selection on tap including Bells Oberon, 3 Floyds, and Rogue Dead Guy Ale. They also have a good bottle selection. This is a classic Chicago Neighborhood bar that actually has beer besides Guinness and Old Style. Personally I think it is Part of the Rogue Nation? Of course, you better like your beers to bite back as the hops reign supreme here. But do not even bother asking them what something tastes like... just ask for a taste. They are great about giving samples so you can see what something is like. And I love to sit at the bar here and 'talk beer' as I educate myself in the world of beers. These bartenders and servers are splendid people; especially if it is a slower night, you can find yourself getting quite an earful of information. But it is great.

(NOTE:
if you sit @ the bar in a pub, the price you see is what you pay, No tax
added?)

This brewpub is located inside a large upscale gourmet mega-market . Very trendy, very beautiful, Birreria is Eataly's brew-pub, a beer-themed restaurant that offers a selection of chef’s specialty items that are perfect for sharing and for pairing with house-brewed craft ales, as well as imported and local beers. In collaboration with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, Teo Musso of Birra Baladin and Leonardo Di Vincenzo of Birra del Borgo, the Eataly head brewer is always working on creative blends and out-of-the-ordinary recipes just 20 feet from where you sit, eat and drink. Disneyland for foodies and beer nurds. Awesome

A great place to chill have a pizza and sink a couple of cold ones. We sat at the front of the bar, and were server by the delightful Sadie, (one of the best waitresses we have come across in the last 3 weeks) who was very helpful and hard working. She even told us the way to the Map Room which was our next port of call and how to get to Revolution Brewery after that, sorted. So we had a sample of all the beers on offer $1 for a 3oz glass. A small pizza each and a pint of our favorite beers. The beers start around 4.5% abv for the Alt and go up to 9.5 for the IPA, the beers with names like; Golden Arm; Wack Job and Bell End Bitter! Is there a theme here or is it just me? The atmosphere was great plenty people just chilling with a beer, there was a good vibe. Around 15 flat screen TV's all with sport on. (no sound) The brewery is to one side and looks quite a good kit, it should be for the amount of Gold Medals they have won at the GABF and World Beer Fest. Overall this was far and away one my favorite places. If your looking to have a few beers and pizza look no further. If your looking for a place to sit down and have a quiet meal, or a place to chat with beer geeks though maybe not the right place.

NOTE: We got asked to show our ID's !! OMG I am nearly 50 and "M" is not far behind, this is the second time this week, as we were asked for ID in the House of Blues as well. It must be my boyish good looks that do it, or is it because I was born so young? LOL (young at heart anyway)

A corner bar that is cash only and no wonder, the prices are the cheapest we have come across, and its like an English pub, as you go to the bar for your beer, (I had almost forgot what that was like) There are 26+ draught beers and a bottle list of over 200 beers with a big leaning towards the Belgian classics and some rare and sought after beers from USA and rest of the world, awesome. The place itself is one long room with bar seating and tall table and chairs along the back wall and some small table's for 4 at the rear, were people are chilling playing, pub games, Ie dominos. The walls are adorned with (yes you guessed it) maps they are even painted on the rear wall. Also Belgian and British beer signs are scattered across the wall, they have a La Chouffe gnome along with a Wychwood Hobgoblin behind the bar. We had a couple of beers each, my choices were from the dark side Arcadia Starboard Stout and New Belgian, 1554 Enlightened Dark Ale, Margaret's choices were a saison beer form Jolly Pumpkin and then a trip to Austria for a Stiegl Pils which came in the branded glass and was very strange like a vase!

Note this is another of the top 20 must visit bars as voted on Beer Advocates site, and it is well deserved a top beer experience.

We hopped on the Blue Line to California, and walked a half block to the bar. Revolution is located in a cool urban setting with lots of wood finishes, an "O" shaped bar and a good amount of tables. This is a great space, a cool building, has a great atmosphere, with an open kitchen area, high ceilings, huge bar, good music (per my taste). We had a quick sampler tray, NOTE - 11 x 5oz glasses and a 10% one to finish with. Then a pint Eugene (a really nice porter) and a tasty Anti-Hero IPA. The beer was very good. There was a nice collection of guest taps as well, and a bottle list of over 100 US micro beers with a few European ones as well, but we were not there for that. We sat at a table near the brew kit, as it was very busy, no room at the bar, so we had a pulled pork sandwich and fries, between us and it was very nice. As we were chatting Morgan the manager came over and took us into the brewery for a quick low down on the brewery a 15 barrel plant, and photo shoot. We would definitely return again next time we are in the windy city.

This is a bar in the middle of a brewery, there are a few setting area away from the main bar as well. Basically it's you and the beer, not such a bad thing. They serve a lot of their own specialty beers, and since the Brewpub gets ridiculously busy these days, this bar is a much better place to come try the rarer Revolution brews. Where this place shines is the potential the space has for hosting events.

So we get off the metro and walk to the Brew pub and actually walk passed it as it is set in a modern retail complex. The building is great and the bar is great but there is no atmosphere, (I know it is lunch time and not really busy but we have been the only people in some bars at lunch time and they rocked) Also the beer was not that great, we have a couple of pints the Pills being the best! and a Pulled pork sandwich and fries between us, then a sampler tray that was OK. (I think we were expecting more) They were still brewing on the kit and there were some great guest beers on tap as well, but I think we have had so many great beers recently and GI are getting a bit like a super macro now, (In-Bev/Bush have just bought them out) We should of been here years ago when they were great, still Honkers and the IPA still rock, but that’s as far as it goes. On the plus side they did have 4 cask ales on offer.

Wrigleyville location is right off the red line station. This isn’t a bad place, but the Clybourn location is superior. Why? Because this one is filled up with jocks and yuppies. Same okay food. Beer wise they have 9/10 taps. Staff are average. Lots better bars to find in this area.

So back to the tram and a short walk late we are ensconced at the bar. This is a must-see destinations on a trip out to Chicago The bar is unassuming, near one of the college campuses. The bar (and website) is very simple, with heavy metal-esque tattoo style art. Otherwise the walls are all black. One small bar on the side, a few tables in front, and some benches/bar stools on the side opposite the bar. No frills, very small. Someone not in the know (or keen on my level of beer geekdom) might even call the place a dive bar ? As soon as you walk in on the left wall there is a gigantic chalkboard with all of the draft beer options written on it. As soon as we sat down and got to study the list I was literally giddy with excitement - it was possibly the best list of craft beer I have ever seen? some of the best choices included: 2 from Mikkeller, De Dolle and De Molen offerings, Jolly Pumpkin, Lost Abbey, Stone, its just goes on and on 25 taps in total, and all "Big Beers" nothing under 6% abv Lots of dark beers as well. So glad we went here we both had a couple of beers and chilled at the bar.

Score! We hit it on a Monday and all the house brews were only $3 a pint YES so no samples here also on a Monday they do Burgers and fries in a basket for $4 and they looked so scummy. But we were not there to eat, on with the beers,a good mix of ABV's nothing to taxing ranging from 3.9% (!) to 6.8% It is quite a good place with a sidewalk terrace and a large dining room with a bar at one end, plus another bar to the right in a raise area and some nice comfy seating. Limited menu of burgers, sandwich, and all day breakfast menu. We thought the Able Danger IPA and Chronic - a Cascadian Dark Ale were the best. They also have 15 guest taps and a small bottle selection. Well worth a visit especially on a Monday.

This place has a good vibe. The beer selection is surprisingly extensive with a great selection of well chosen US micro brews, including their own tasty examples of a great variety of styles --- blonde ale, pale ale, saison, IPA, IIPA, Belgian IPA, dubbel, tripel, etc. You can choose a 4, 12, 16, or 20 oz serving for most beers. We sat at the bar and had 4oz sample of all the ten beers on offer and there are some big beers in this place as it leans towards the Big IPA's and the Belgian Style, I thought "this would make a great neighborhood bar." Nothing flashy about this joint, just good food and a good place to have a beer. Great atmosphere. I liked the look and position of the main bar when you walk in. The steel fermentation bins filled with beer get the mouth watering and the wide array of TV's mean "non-stop" viewing action, especially for sporting events. Comfortable booth seating is available, but the high wooden chairs and tables do the trick. I also like the beer taps. They are made out of what appears to be hand made carved blocks of wood; its unique and cool.

You need the Brown Line metro tram and this is on the outskirts of Chicago, and in a predominately German Area. From the outside this bland brick building doesn’t look like much but on the left you have a cool taproom filled with locals, friendly helpful staff, well priced samples and an all-around cool friendly vibe. On the right you have their gift shop+growler station full of cool Half Acre artwork all over the walls, nice looking goods and equally friendly staff. A must visit for anyone doing the round of breweries in Chicago.

This is such a cool place. we both rank it in the top 3 bars in Chicago, a definite must do. As you enter the bar is in front of you with seating along the other wall, there is a smaller room to the rear with table and chairs for families and can be sectioned off by a curtain. Also there is another room at the back of the bar with a pin ball table, old Pac-Man table and a shuffle board, also more seating. The walls are adorned with art work "skulls and iron" quite reasonably prices at around $2,200 a pop! But they are awesome. The beer list is approx 35 on tap and a massive bottle list of over 150+ which includes Belgian classics and US micros. All at very competitive prices even the draught is some of the cheapest we have encountered. The menu is basically Starters, Sandwiches and Burgers, there were a lot of people coming in for meals and take out, so we went for a Burger with cheese cooked medium, served with fries and a PB&J (home made peanut butter and Lindeman’s Framboise jam)also with fries and spit them both, they were very good. I had a 3 beers from the dark side and "M" had a couple of IPA's.

The bar is Old-fashioned German decor and 70's diner (seats, tables) also a small but authentic bier garden to the rear (it was raining again so we did not venture out). Actually owned and run by a German Couple. There are 10 taps, serving BBK Kutscher Alt, BBK Gold Export, Bitburger, Julius Echter weisse, Hacker Pschorr lager, Konig pilsner, Kostritzer schwarzbier, Spaten Optimator. The food is authentic Bavarian we ahve a large pretzel with cheese and mustard, mmmm A very good stop for German beer and food if you are in the area. Just over the road is;

The 'Inn' isn't much to look at from the outside, a small yellow sign hovering above the entry. Inside, however, is another story: peppy German tunes, servers bustling about, old-timers in large booths and youngsters hoisting steins at the bar. It's all kind of a blur of happy liveliness - or as the Germans would say 'Gemütlichkeit'. They keep about 10 beers on-tap, several varieties. The three or four light lager seem to be the favorites of the old school German neighborhood folk. The other taps pour a variety of styles, Hefeweizen, Kolsh, Alt, Schartzbier, Berliner Weiss, and a few more that I don't recall. The bartenders are well informed and well spoken on all German styles. And the styles will move with the season. Supposed to be the best German food in the city?

So the little'un ("M") and my self hope that this will be of some use to you if you visit Chicago and fancy a pint of the good stuff. There is a bit of a potter history below, cheers Otto.

Here are a few of the recent/new brepubs that have opened, that beer folk have snet me updates about, thanks guys;

Begyle Brewing is a Community Supported Brewery, located in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Chicago. Great concrete minimalist growler station plus gift shop though they are in the process of putting in a tap room for people to drink in (Oct, 2014). Friendly staff and a cool place to pop in and try some free samples plus pick up a bomber then walk over to the nearby Half Acre. Plus it is 2 min from Irving Park Brown line Station so easy to get to.

At Horse Thief Hollow, they provide the very best quality food, beer, service, entertainment and hospitality. Part of the "slow food" thing they produce everything possible from scratch. They support local farms and always purchase fresh, wholesome ingredients. This place is great. Go there for beer.

Argus Brewery now offers 90-minute tours to the public. Tour includes the history of the brewery and its famous neighborhood, samples of the latest Argus brews and a commemorative Argus Brewery glass. You must purchase your tour ticket through their estore. No walk-ins accepted.

Chicago is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous city in the USA, after New York City and Los Angeles. Its metropolitan area, commonly named "Chicagoland," is the 27th most populous urban agglomeration in the world, home to an estimated 9.5 million people spread across the U.S. states of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Chicago is the county seat of Cook County, the second largest county in the United States by population after Los Angeles County, California.

Chicago was founded in 1833, near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. Today, the city retains its status as a major hub for industry, telecommunications and infrastructure, with O'Hare International Airport being the second busiest airport, in terms of traffic movements, in the world.

The city is a center for business and finance and is listed as one of the world's top ten Global Financial Centers. The World Cities Study Group at Loughborough University rated Chicago as an "alpha world city".Chicago has been ranked by Forbes as the world's 5th most economically powerful city. Chicago is a stronghold of the Democratic Party and has been home to many influential politicians, including the current President of the United States, Barack Obama. The city's notoriety expressed in popular culture is found in novels, plays, movies, songs, various types of journals (e.g., sports, entertainment, business, trade, and academic), and the news media. Chicago has numerous nicknames, which reflect the impressions and opinions about historical and contemporary Chicago. The best known include: "Chi-town," "Windy City," "Second City," and the "City of Big Shoulders." Chicago has also been called "the most American of big cities.

Chicago is the home of many professional sports teams and one of four U.S. cities to have teams from the five major American professional team sports (baseball, football, basketball, hockey, soccer). The city was the official United States nominee for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Its rivals were Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, with the International Olympic Committee selecting Rio de Janeiro as the 2016 Olympics site in October, 2009. Chicago also hosted the 1959 Pan American Games. Chicago has been named as the Best Sports City by Sporting News three times in 1993, 2006, and 2010.